State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins is facing a rise in violent crime in her hometown of Yonkers, where robberies have surged 63% and burglaries have increased by 33%. Felony assaults are up 8% and there have been two murders so far this year, compared to zero in the same period a year ago. Yonkers Police Benevolent Association head Frank McDonald is calling on Stewart-Cousins to reconsider bail reform laws for the safety of the community, stating that public safety should be the priority over catering to habitual criminals.
Stewart-Cousins, along with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, have been advocates for the controversial 2019 criminal justice reforms in New York, which eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges. However, the reforms have been linked to a revolving door for released felony suspects, contributing to the increase in violent crime in areas like Yonkers. Heastie’s Bronx district is currently experiencing a surge in rape and robbery cases, putting pressure on lawmakers to address the impact of the reforms on public safety.
Despite the rise in crime, Stewart-Cousins has stated that the bail reforms have no correlation with the increase in criminal activity. However, residents of Yonkers have experienced firsthand the consequences of the reforms, such as a brazen jewelry store robbery where thieves used a sledgehammer to break in and steal $100,000 worth of merchandise. Yonkers residents are expressing frustration with the spike in crime and the lack of action to address the issue by their representatives.
Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza has noted that bail reform and raising the age of criminal liability have made it harder for the police to do their job and keep people in jail. He emphasized the importance of addressing all crimes, as small crimes can escalate into larger ones if not dealt with appropriately. Despite the challenges faced by law enforcement, Stewart-Cousins and Heastie have continued to support bail reform and other changes to the criminal justice system, causing frustration among those who believe that they have contributed to the increase in crime in their districts.
Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and adjunct professor, has criticized Stewart-Cousins and Heastie for their support of bail reform and their response to the rise in crime. He believes that the two lawmakers have been deflecting and gaslighting in the face of adversity, while their districts continue to be plagued by violence and crime. Giacalone argues that the consequences of their policies are evident in the increase in criminal activity, and that they are ultimately responsible for the chaos taking place in areas like Yonkers.
